The deal to permanently bring Antonio Candreva to Lazio is very close to completion, according to Corriere dello Sport.

Lotito and Udinese president Giampaolo Pozzo, are continuing negotations over the influential midfielder but talks are expected to conclude over the next couple of days in a positive way for Lazio. For Lotito, Candreva is seen as a pivotal figure in the current Lazio squad and one that the president intends to retain at all costs.

The two clubs are expected to sign off on an 8 million Euro deal for the outright ownership of Candreva’s playing rights. It is a deal that seems to suit everyone as the player has always expressed a desire to remain in the capital.

The deal may however block the potential move for Atalanta’s midfield maestro Giacomo Bonaventura. Bonaventura is only 24, an Italian international and yet to reach his peak but has already made 30 appearances for the Bergamo based side and scored 5 goals in the league this season.

His deal expires in June 2017 so he will not be a cheap acquisition for Lazio. His value is estimated at 10 million Euros. This past January, after the departure of Hernanes to Inter, reports suggested that Lotito had offerd Atalanta 7 million Euros for the midfielder’s services but was rejected. Only time will tell if Lotito will be tempted to bid again.